Can this prerequisite be achieved if commissioning was not incorporated into the original design and construction phase? I am working with a building that was built and remained unoccupied for two years before deciding to pursue LEED-CS. We have commissioned the building post-construction, but will this be enough to comply?
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Chris Ladner
PartnerViridian
261 thumbs up
April 2, 2010 - 7:57 am
Chris, Unfortunately I believe this project will not comply with the CS requirements. The intent of commissioning is for the CxA to establish the owners requirements and then ensure that the implementation and function of the building systems meet those requirements. A completed project excludes this capability by default.
The Refernce Guide requires that the commissioning agent review the OPR and BOD which must be done before final design (ideally before schematic design) and that commissioning must be incoporated into the construction documents. I am fairly confident that your project commissioning strategy would not be approved by the reviewer.
I am sorry for the bad news and my delay in responding to your question (I actually took a vacation).
Jose Salinas
MrPoch & Associates
74 thumbs up
January 4, 2011 - 2:52 pm
Chris,
I am in a similar situation, however my client bought the building when only the structural work was finished. Then he decided to certify LEED; appointed a CxA, and implemented several modifications: changed the HVAC, installed automatic external courtains for energy savings, new control systems, changed the illumination system, changes the water appliances, etc. According to this, I was told that it is possible to certify since the building was not completely finished, and it was possible to commissioning of the energy related systems. Is that correct?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
January 20, 2011 - 6:49 pm
Jose, I would say it is possible to certify for the reason you give, although I hope Chris or someone with more experience will weigh in.
Chris Ladner
PartnerViridian
261 thumbs up
January 21, 2011 - 9:06 am
First, sorry for the delay. We have been busy with a lot of Cx work lately.
Since the building changed ownership I beleive this "restarts" the clock concerning Cx. You will have to provide documentation (OPR, BOD, Cx Plan, etc) showing that you followed the complete Cx process once the new owner took control of the project.
Please note that this is somewhat unusual and you will probably need good clarification of the particulars for the the reviewers.